Each one works a bit differently, and they each have their pros and cons. The Different Types of Guitar Capos ExplainedĪll capos do basically the same thing, but there are several different kinds of guitar capos that you’ll encounter. Many iconic guitar riffs like Hotel California use a capo.

A good capo sounds more ‘open’ and bright than a finger across the strings.Ĭapos can help you explore and invent new ways of playing your own melodies while still using the same fingering. There’s also a sonic difference between using the best guitar capo and barring with your own fingers. How does a capo impact the guitar’s sound?Ī capo raises the guitar’s pitch, which in itself imparts different tonal qualities to a guitar. Capoing a guitar on a higher fret can also create a different sound, which you may want for certain songs. Guitar players use capos to change the key of a song to make it easier to sing along while playing, accommodate a vocalist’s range, or experiment with new keys. The capo method is much easier and saves a lot of time. To change the key of a song, you can either transpose by ear, which requires learning complex chords, or you can use a capo. Since capos allow you to change keys easily, they can help with transposing. A capo allows you to play a song in any key while using the same chords – or chord shapes – as the original key. Playing a C-shape gets you a D chord, a G becomes an A, etc. So when you play a D chord, you’re actually playing an E chord. This raises the pitch of the notes that you play.įor example, if you put a capo on the second fret of your guitar, every chord you play is now up a whole step. Capos clamp across your fretboard, like your finger playing a barre chord. What is the best capo for electric guitar?Ī guitar capo is a device that allows you to change the pitch of your guitar quickly and easily.Can I use the same capo on both acoustic and electric guitars?.Is it okay for beginners to use a capo?.Frequently Asked Questions About Guitar Capos.Adjustable Screw Capos (and clamp capos).The Different Types of Guitar Capos Explained.How does a capo impact the guitar’s sound?.

Best capo for acoustic guitar